Diesel engines contribute significantly to air pollution, especially in urban areas. The fine particles in diesel exhaust pose serious health risks, including aggravated asthma and other respiratory symptoms. Children are especially vulnerable to these effects. The Northeast has some of the highest asthma rates in the nation, including a childhood asthma rate above 10 percent in all six New England states.

"Reducing diesel emissions is an effective way to improve air quality - one of the seven key priorities of Administrator Jackson,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England Office. “Fewer diesel emissions will help those who suffer from asthma and other respiratory problems. These projects will help bring cleaner air to the residents of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.”

This grant will cover up to 75% of the cost of the engine repowers and will allow GHTD, in partnership with Peter Pan Bus Lines, to repower 4 diesel transit buses. The project is expected to reduce annual nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions by 36 tons and 2.4 tons, respectively.

“The District is a great proponent of alternatives that help minimize the environmental impact of diesel powered vehicles and is extremely pleased and proud of this award,” said Vicki L. Shotland, Executive Director of the Greater Hartford District. “This partnership with Peter Pan Bus Lines to replace older engines will result in reduction of toxic particles and greenhouses gases and will also reduce fuel costs during hard times."

The EPA has awarded $50 million for clean diesel projects as part of its ongoing campaign to reduce harmful emissions in the air and better protect people's health. These efforts will replace, retrofit or repower more than 8,000 older school buses, trucks, locomotives, vessels, and other diesel powered machines. Reducing emissions from existing diesels provides cost-effective public health and environmental benefits while supporting green jobs at manufacturers, dealerships and businesses across the country. This is the fourth year of the program.

Other New England entities receiving grants this year include the Massachusetts Port Authority, Chelsea Collaborative, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Conservation Law Foundation Ventures, and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. In addition, under the state clean diesel grant program, EPA recently announced that it is awarding $1.3 million to the New England state environmental agencies for clean diesel projects in New England.